By Amy Flint
Reader Contributor
Because rumors are circulating throughout the community, the Panida Board would like to provide an update on the current theater status and upcoming plans.
First and foremost is our financial situation. The board has reversed a previous decision that involved using funds from ticket sales to support daily operations. Instead, ticket income is now placed in a reserve account earmarked for artist performance-related payments. This is much more sustainable than the previous arrangement.
The Panida has always struggled to raise and sustain sufficient funds to support operational expenses. We have substantial funds in reserve (which are used only for their intended purposes) for various projects and programs, but it’s difficult to generate donor and grantor enthusiasm to support operations. The theater has ongoing maintenance, repair and restoration needs, and it’s challenging and costly to preserve the historic value and character of a magnificent building that’s approaching its centennial.
Another element of our operational funding is ticket sales for events. We are working to recover from multiple previously scheduled events that have not generated the income anticipated this summer. In fact, many have generated a loss due to conflict with Festival events, weekday date choices and contracting with expensive events that the Panida couldn’t legitimately afford.
We honored the contracts already in place to protect our professional reputation and ensure future booking access, but we are exercising extreme caution in future event selection.
The board has successfully reestablished a positive and collaborative relationship with staff, volunteers and the community, as well as reviving the former Films Committee (due to popular demand). Now we just need to get more community members to attend films.
We are very excited about our newly established relationship with the Spokane Symphony and their matinee performance of Handel’s “Messiah” on Nov. 22 and the return of The Grand Kiev Ballet for “Swan Lake: A Symphony of Lights,” on Oct. 30.
On another note, the funds for the Panida scholarship program are held in a restricted account and remain there. This year, we were unable to award our scholarship because neither of the applicants met the Laurel Wagers scholarship criteria since they weren’t planning to pursue a career path in the arts. We look forward to granting it in 2027.
The board is working diligently to correct the issues that created our current situation while moving forward with more sustainable programming choices. Rest assured the theater is not on the verge of closing down. If you hear a weird or concerning rumor, please reach out to any of our board members with questions. We welcome every chance to provide accurate information.
Submit a question on the “Contact Us” page, or get contact info for staff and board members on the “About Us” page at panida.org.
We are forever grateful to our valued patrons, staff and volunteers who stand by us (and with us) in our efforts to fulfill our continuing mission. We wouldn’t be here without you!
Amy Flint is the chairperson of the Panida Board of Directors.
